rely

verb

re·​ly ri-ˈlī How to pronounce rely (audio)
relied; relying
Synonyms of rely

intransitive verb

1
: to be dependent
the system on which we rely for water
2
: to have confidence based on experience
someone you can rely on
relier
ri-ˈlī(-ə)r How to pronounce rely (audio)
noun

Synonyms of rely

Relevance
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Examples of rely in a Sentence

rigorously tested the rope before starting out, for the rock climbers would be relying on it with their very lives
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Instead of relying primarily on inorganic compounds, scientists can investigate how molecular geometry and stronger electronic interactions create useful quantum properties. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 23 Oct. 2026 Haaland, a citizen of Laguna Pueblo in west-central New Mexico, once relied on government assistance as a single mother. — Arkansas Online, 23 Oct. 2026 Europe relies heavily on US cloud infrastructure, and the Commission is turning concerns about that dependence into measurable requirements. — Margot Edelman, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026 Don’t rely on extension cords or power strips inside the cabinet. — Ryan Brennan, Charlotte Observer, 22 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rely

Word History

Etymology

Middle English relien to rally, from Anglo-French relier to retie, gather, rally, from Latin religare to tie out of the way, from re- + ligare to tie — more at ligature

First Known Use

1574, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of rely was in 1574

Phrases Containing rely

Rhymes for rely

See All Rhymes for rely

Browse Nearby Words

relumine
rely
rely on/upon
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Cite this Entry

“Rely.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rely. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

rely

verb
re·​ly ri-ˈlī How to pronounce rely (audio)
relied; relying
1
: to have confidence based on experience
someone you can rely on
2
: to be dependent
the system on which we rely for water

Legal Definition

rely

intransitive verb
re·​ly
relied; relying
: to depend with confidence : place faith
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